Richmond Fire Chief Retires
20 June 2007
After 34 years of service in fire rescue, and leading Richmond Fire-Rescue for the past seven years, Fire Chief Jim Hancock, 58, has decided to retire. His last day will be August 31, 2007.
"Making this decision wasn’t easy," says Fire Chief Jim Hancock. "But when I see all the positive changes and advancements in the department while I’ve been Chief, and I look at my personal time line and the many things I have planned for a more relaxed retirement routine, I believe it to be the right decision, at the right time."
Under Hancock’s leadership, Richmond Fire-Rescue took positive steps to improve workplace diversity and inclusiveness, created the department's strategic plan to see initiatives move forward, and advanced many successful programs and initiatives, including various infrastructure improvements and the expansion of specialized services. All these successes leave the department very well positioned for transition.
“The City has been fortunate to have Jim Hancock serve as the Chief for the last seven years,” says Phyllis Carlyle, General Manager, Law and Community Safety.
“Over the next few years, a number of the departments’ senior people will be eligible to retire. In fact, we are currently recruiting for a third Deputy Fire Chief, which Council recently approved. A new Chief and Deputy Chief will jumpstart succession planning and the development of our next generation of leaders.”
Prior to joining Richmond Fire-Rescue in April 2000, Hancock was the Fire Chief in Kitchener, Ontario for 10 years. He began his fire fighting career in Cambridge, Ontario in 1973.
The City will immediately begin a national search for a new Fire Chief.
